News
In Memoriam—Elder Raymond Why
1929-2026
Posted February 10, 2026
Raymond Why of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at Heritage Valley Health System, Beaver Campus.
Ray was a self-employed engineer for his professional life and was working until just two weeks prior to his passing. He was a lifelong, dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls, where he served in many capacities, as well as in the larger church.
He was very active with the Presbyterian Men organization and represented Beaver-Butler Presbytery to National Council of Presbyterian Men in 1995 and 2018.
Ray served on Beaver-Butler Presbytery’s Council for two terms and chaired the Personnel Committee. He also served on the Nominating Committee. Ray served as Moderator and Vice-Moderator for two terms—once in the 1960s and again in 2012-13.
He served as the former moderator of Synod of the Trinity for Presbyterian Church USA as well as the former moderator of Synod for Beaver Valley Presbytery.
Friends will be received on Tuesday, February 10, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
The Rev. David Oyler will officiate the funeral service on Wednesday, February 11 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls, 1103 8th Ave, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Friends will be received at the church one hour prior to services. Interment, with full military honors, will follow in Beaver Falls Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Ray’s church of over 80 years, First Presbyterian Church, Beaver Falls.
